This week we preview the BIO International Convention, starting next week in San Diego. This is the key partnering event of the year where biotechs connect with pharmaceutical companies and investors in partnering meetings, all to advance and fund innovative therapies.

My guest is Werner Lanthaler, Founder and CEO of WLAN Holding. Werner spent 15 years as CEO of Evotec SE, scaling the company from 200 employees and €40 million revenue to over 5,000 staff and €800 million. He previously served as CFO of Intercell AG, overseeing its IPO and vaccine launch and today he leads investments and advisory in high-tech life sciences.

Werner explains why partnering events like BIO are critical to advancing science in biopharma. He shares practical advice on how biotechs can prepare before the event, succeed on site, and follow up to turn meetings into partnerships. He offers clear, actionable strategies to optimize your BIO experience.

• 01:36              Meet Werner Lanthaler
• 06:48              The power of partnering
• 08:55              Uncovering unexpected value
• 13:43              Irreplaceable in-person trust
• 17:06              Smart pre-event planning
• 21:00              Strategic targeting
• 24:02              Relationship-first meetings
• 30:18              The importance of prompt, persistent follow-up

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To dive deeper into the topic: 

• Special Episode: The 2025 BIO International Convention
• The ABC of biotech partnerships
• How to optimize your biotech company for partnering, licensing, and business success